I think we all know that we make differences in people’s lives and in our world but Make a Difference Day is a day to think about what else we might add into our lives to make a difference on this planet.
Make a Difference Day was created by “USA Weekend” magazine in 1992 to offer community support and encourage volunteerism across the country. This year the official day is October 28.
The idea behind Make a Difference Day is to remind us that each and every one of us can make a difference in our world. As we read or listen to the news, we become overwhelmed. We feel like the world is falling apart and that there is really very little we can do about it.
Nelson Mandela said it well, “We can change the world and make it a better place. It is in our hands to make a difference.”
Let’s think about some ways that we can and do make a difference in our world.
Self
To make a difference in the lives of others we want to start by making a difference within ourselves. One easy thing to do is to smile more. If any of you have ever performed, given a presentation, or even held a Zoom meeting you know that you put on that smile before you begin. What would it feel like if you just set reminders to smile for no real reason? How would that affect how you would feel? I am sure it would boost your positive attitude.
We all know that good health is important in our lives. We know that what we eat, how much we sleep, and how often we exercise are major keys to good health. Take a look at what you do daily and see if there is one area where you could make an improvement. It’s hard to help others if you are not feeling well yourself.
To make a difference in yourself try something new that is out of your comfort zone. Psychology Today has a new study on how to try this. You may become invigorated and more productive.
Home
Your home should be your refuge. If you do not feel happy and relaxed in your home do something to make a difference in your environment. Even making small changes can make a difference. Too much clutter can affect your health according to Barbara Brody, a writer for WebMD. A more organized environment can allow you to be more caring to others. And mess equals stress which can affect your health.
Community
Your community is an extension of your home. As you move out of your home into your community on a daily or weekly basis, practice doing some random acts of kindness. According to a New York Times article, there is new research that shows that small gestures matter more than we may think.
Schedule time to volunteer at local charities. AARP has links to make this easier for you if you don’t have one that you already subscribe to. Churches also have outreach programs to help in the communities. You can work with a group of people you know to make a difference. Or make a difference in your community environmentally by making some changes in your lifestyle.
World
Some simple ways to make a difference in our world are to take care of our environment. Buy less, waste less, recycle responsibly for a start. All of these acts make a difference both nationally and internationally.
Stay current on national and international news and vote according to what you have found with your research. Choose who you get your news from thoughtfully. Then vote and support those that are making a good difference in our world.
Get involved with organizations that help refugees in your area.
When you read about the tragedies in the world – to people, to animals, and in our environment, research organizations that are the helpers. Mr. Rodgers said, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” In my family, my brother-in-law is one of the helpers who goes out during a crisis with the Red Cross and sets up help stations. Find some organizations that are truly helpers and donate money. They can use the money more effectively than goods when the need is there. They have the background and the networks to do the most good with your money.
If you are ready to make a difference in your home and would like ideas, support, or accountability in working or developing plan or project, join Diane Quintana and me in our Clear Space For You clutter support group.
Jonda S. Beattie, Professional Organizer owner of Time Space Organization, and co-owner of Release, Repurpose, Reorganize. She is based in the Metro-Atlanta area. As presenter, award-winning author, as well as a retired special education teacher she uses her listening skills, problem solving skills, knowledge of different learning techniques, ADHD specialty, and paper management skills to help clients.
What a happy and encouraging post. I’ve never heard of this day, but I certainly am a believer in doing what we can to make a difference. I’ve recently taken on a new volunteer role at my church. It is a pretty big commitment, but I am looking forward to it. I hope I can make a positive difference in this role. If we all do even one thing, think of the impact we could have!
I love how you’ve created concentric circles, starting with ourselves and working ever outward, to improve the world. In Judaism, there is a concept called “tikkun olam,” which means “repair the world” and it focuses on making the world a more just and peaceful place, from individuals upward to community levels; the idea is that each of us, individual and collectively, must be responsible for the welfare of society at large. On a related note, in addition to the outreach programs you mention can be found at churches, there are similar efforts at synagogues, mosques, Hindu mandirs/temples, Sikh gurdwaras, etc.
Mr. Rogers was a role model for the exact behavior you describe. May we all feel safe looking for the helpers and BEING the helpers! Thank you for this beautiful post!
It’s a wonderful post. Do little things that could make a difference. Fresh coat of paint for your home is a start. There are so many organizations that need more helping hands every day, if you can’t physically help, you can help by doing phone calls for said organizations. Great post.
I discovered the power of a smile almost accidentally. I was walking down the street when someone smiled at me, and I realized they were smiling because they saw me smiling (though I wasn’t aware of it at the time)! Since then I’ve made a conscious effort to smile at everyone I see. Even when we were all wearing masks, people could tell I was smiling and would usually do the same.
Thank you for introducing me to Make a Difference Day. I learned to joy of sharing a smile with someone to make both our days a little better. It is so easy to do even when I am having a “bad” day. Bringing happiness to our own lives comes through doing things for others small or big, close to home or in the larger world. As we become more content we can continue to do more and impact others who then impact others. Our smile, donation or participation can start a chain of events that makes a bigger difference than we will ever know.